People ignoring left turn lane on Western Avenue

December 27, 2009

CITIZEN WATCHThey recently put in a left turn lane on Western Avenue turning onto Lafayette Boulevard. I don't know how many times I have seen people go straight when they are in the turning lane. It really aggravates me and there is never is a cop around. I really don't know why they put this turning lane in because it doesn't accomplish anything. You're right, driving straight through the left-turn only lane is an enforcement issue. And I share your frustration. But this intersection is only one of many in the city of South Bend at which drivers ignore the signs. Bronson and Main streets is another, as is Main and Sample. However, the state of Indiana has said it would change the designation at Main and Sample and Main and Bronson to allow people to either turn left or go straight. However, that's not going to eliminate the problem of drivers racing to get in front of one another at those intersections. Regarding Lafayette and Western, city Engineer Carl Littrell said the turn-only lane was installed after Lafayette south of Western was changed to a two-way street. Now, both eastbound and westbound traffic on Western have left turn arrows that are activated by vehicles waiting in those lanes. *** North Esther Street is in need of paving. We have lived here 15 years and all that tar and gravel does not fix the problem. The city of South Bend has patched the street twice in the last three years. It's been scheduled for paving but then canceled. Please help. When the weather allows, South Bend's one-man pothole patching trucks still make the rounds on city streets. That is what has been happening on Esther Street. One man is able to repair potholes using the truck, but admittedly that is not a long term solution, especially in winter weather. Street Commissioner Sam Hensley said he and other department supervisors traverse city street in the spring, usually around March, and compile a list of streets that need repairs. The list is finalized and prioritized in April before the city begins is summer paving program. If Esther isn't repaved this summer, let me know. *** Is there a giant pothole on street that is rattling your teeth? How about a neighborhood house that you suspect is in violation of the city's code enforcement laws? Contact Citizen Watch and I'll try to help. Terry Bland, The Tribune's Web editor, writes a blog called Citizen Watch. Contact him at citizenwatch@sbtinfo.com.